Dorothy L. Stine-Lane

Dorothy L. Stevenson Stine-Lane, of San Antonio, Tx. formerly of Springfield, passed away Sept. 12, 2014 in San Antonio. She was the first child of Albert O. and Germaine Stevenson, was born on July 8, 1924 at Springfield Hospital. The family resided at 1808 North 7th Street and was soon joined by Dorothy’s sister, Shirley Lee. Dorothy attended Ridgely Grade School and Lanphier High School, graduating valedictorian of the class of 1942. In high school, Dorothy was involved in choir and ensemble. She attended First E.U.B. Church, which later became Trinity United Methodist Church. After graduation, Dorothy attended business school, preparing her for the office work career in her future. In 1943, Dorothy and George L. Stine were married. While stationed in the U.S. Navy, their daughter, Marcia, was born in Atlantic City, NJ. Dorothy provided a comfortable home for the family in whatever city George’s work was located: Springfield, Davenport, Tulsa, Danville, and back to Springfield. Dorothy and George developed close friendships, which they enjoyed throughout the 40 years of their marriage, which lasted until George’s death in 1982 at age 60.

Dorothy persevered through the tragedy of George’s death, staying involved with her church, family celebrations, planning high school class reunions, and work colleagues at the State Journal-Register, where she worked for 23 years. She was active in United Methodist Women organization, church choir, and The King’s Daughters Circle. Meanwhile, she stayed in close contact with Marcia and son-in-law, Charlie, in San Antonio, who by this time had given Dorothy two wonderful grandchildren, Kathryn (Katie) born in 1971 and Michael born in 1973. They were a source of great joy for Dorothy. She made many trips to Texas to attend birthdays, performances, graduations, and to vacation together. Besides enjoying her role as a grandmother, she also enjoyed her role as aunt and great-aunt to her sister Shirley’s large family. Everyone could count on receiving a Hallmark card with a loving, personalized message from Aunt Dorothy on their birthdays, graduations, marriage, or at the birth of a child.

In 2000, Dorothy married Virgil Lane, a friend of many years. Virgil passed away in 2008, and in 2009 Dorothy moved to Hickory Glen Independent Living Retirement Community. Later, she moved to River Birch, an assisted living facility. Finally, in 2013, Dorothy moved to Homewood Residence in San Antonio, Texas, where Marcia could be with her more constantly and where she could see her grandchildren more often. Homewood Residence provided loving care for Dorothy. She endeared herself to everyone wherever she lived, and her absence is keenly felt by all who knew her. She rests now with her Lord and Savior, reunited with all those she loved who went before her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George Levi Stine, and her second husband James Virgil Lane. She is survived by her daughter Marcia Stine Hare (husband Charles), her sister Shirley Tozer (husband Loren), grandchildren Katie Hare Lai (husband Alex) and Michael Hare, great-granddaughters Natalie Lai and Elise Lai, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

A visitation will be held at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel on South Grand Avenue the evening of Friday Sept. 19, from 5 - 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20. In Lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, in memory of Dorothy, or a charity of your choice. (www.boardman-smith.net).